Shudder has secured the North American, UK, and ANZ distribution rights for The Ugly Stepsister. Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Emilie Blichfeldt, the feature debut is set to open the Midnight Section at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and will premiere on Shudder later in the year.

A dark reimagining of the Cinderella story, The Ugly Stepsister centers on Elvira, a young woman vying for the prince’s attention in a society obsessed with appearance. Competing against her captivating stepsister Agnes, Elvira’s journey takes a harrowing turn, exploring themes of beauty, identity, and ambition.

Director Emilie Blichfeldt expressed her excitement for the film’s premiere, saying, “This beauty horror twist on Cinderella is inspired by The Brothers Grimm version and my own experiences with body image. I hope to provoke empathy and discomfort while encouraging reflection on our perceptions of beauty.”

Emily Gotto, SVP of Shudder Acquisitions and Production, praised the film as a standout addition to the platform’s lineup. “The Ugly Stepsister transforms a timeless tale with intense and innovative storytelling, offering a unique perspective within the horror genre,” Gotto said.

Produced by Maria Ekerhovd for Mer Film, the project is a collaboration between several international production houses, including Zentropa Sweden, Lava Films in Poland, and Denmark’s Motor. It has received support from institutions such as the Norwegian Film Institute, the Swedish Film Institute, and the Danish Film Institute.

The acquisition deal was negotiated by Shudder’s Emily Gotto and Memento International’s Alexandre Moreau on behalf of the filmmakers.

The Ugly Stepsister will premiere during Sundance 2025’s Midnight Section.